Several thousand people gathered this Sunday in the coastal area of Punta de Hidalgo to accompany the Virgin of Carmen in her traditional maritime and land procession marking the embarkation of the image. This celebration, with a long history in the municipality, is closely linked to fishing activities and to the towns and communities near the sea.
Both local residents and visitors passionately experienced this festive day, which was attended by the mayor of the municipality, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, who was accompanied by the councillor for Festivities, Dailos González, and other representatives of the local council.
Gutiérrez highlighted “the magnificent atmosphere and the grandeur of this celebration, which once again featured the significant involvement of the residents of Punta del Hidalgo and, especially, of the representatives of the Festivities Commission, without whom it would be impossible to carry out these symbolic events for the community.”
Symbolic Event
“This embarkation undoubtedly constitutes one of the most symbolic events in the festive calendar of La Laguna, and this has been made possible thanks to the work and dedication of so many generations who have passed the baton down to the present day,” remarked Dailos González.
The day’s events began in the Olga Ramos square, where the usual religious ceremony took place, paying heartfelt tribute to all those who have lost their lives at sea, especially those who dedicate their work to fishing. This was followed by the descent of the image to the dock.
At this point, the sentiment and emotion became particularly prominent thanks to the voice of soloist Miriam Reyes, who took on the responsibility of stepping in for Chago Melián in the performance of the piece Ave María after 40 years. This deeply felt musical piece served as a prelude to the departure of the numerous vessels that accompanied the Virgin of Carmen on her maritime journey along the coast of La Laguna.
Upon their return, a large number of people awaited in Punta del Hidalgo to witness the return of the image to its chapel, the subsequent fireworks display, and the cultural closing of the day, which featured singer José Félix and his emotional ‘Fado Marino’.
